Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Course in Bristol. Classes run at Ashley Down Centre, one day a week over one year. You'll also complete around five to ten hours of independent study each week, plus a school placement one day a week throughout the course. This part-time, daytime structure suits people who are already working or volunteering in a school setting. You'll need a Level 2 qualification in a related field and wide experience in a school support role before you join. The course covers safeguarding, assessment strategies, special needs support, bilingual support, and reflective practice.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for those who have already obtained a Level 2 Teaching Assistant/ Childcare or related qualification. It may also be suitable for people with considerable experience in a support role in schools. You will be expected to attend college for 4 hours a week as well as spending a day a week as a volunteer throughout the course.
Entry requirements
--To be 16 years of age or over--Wide experience in schools in a support role or as a teacher--Literacy skills sufficient to be able to complete the written aspect of the course--Completed a previous qualification at Level 2 in a related field--
What you will learn
You'll learn how to plan, deliver, and review assessment strategies alongside a teacher.
You'll understand how to safeguard children and young people in school settings.
You'll develop knowledge of how to support the learning of children and young people.
You'll study equality, diversity, and inclusion in a school context.
You'll explore bilingual support and special educational needs support.
You'll practise personal development and reflective practice as a school support professional.
You'll build skills in supporting assessment for learning across primary, secondary, and special school environments.
How you will learn
You'll attend college for around four hours a week and complete one day a week as a volunteer in a school placement. Expect to spend five to ten hours a week on independent study. Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence covering both theoretical and practical work across eleven units, demonstrating your competence in areas including safeguarding, equality and diversity, and supporting learning.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Ashley Down Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to arrange your own school placement for at least one day a week and be able to obtain a DBS check.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: support pupils' learning in primary or secondary school.
Special educational needs (SEN) support assistant: work with pupils with additional needs.
Learning support assistant: help students in college or further education settings.
Bilingual support assistant: support pupils whose first language is not English.
Cover supervisor: manage a class under teacher direction during short-term absences.
Early years teaching assistant: support learning in reception and early primary classes.
What you could study next
Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET): a route into teaching or training adults, often taken alongside or after school-based roles.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: the next step if you want to move toward a teaching role in further education.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: a fuller teaching qualification recognised in further education colleges.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via an undergraduate or postgraduate route: required to teach as a qualified teacher in state schools in England.
